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You think small towns are sweet places where nobody ever vies for power? Hah! Wall Street Journal: ‘Harper Lee’s lawyer, Tonja Carter, is the author’s chief spokeswoman and advocate. She is the trustee of Ms. Lee’s estate and a partner in the firm where Ms. Lee’s sister practiced law. Recently, Ms. Carter has taken on a new role: theater producer. Ms. Carter has gained national attention for her role in the rediscovery and publication of the 89-year-old writer’s recently released novel, “Go Set a Watchman.” She also figures in a protracted conflict between Ms. Lee and the Monroe County Heritage Museum, which is dedicated in part to the writer’s legacy. On Tuesday, the Monroe County Commission, which owns the museum building, voted to dismiss the institution’s executive director, Stephanie Rogers, just as Ms. Carter prepares to take over the museum’s annual production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

‘The play is based on Ms. Lee’s only other published novel, an international favorite published in 1960. The “Mockingbird” play, which the museum has presented for 26 years, is performed by local volunteers in the courtroom that is part of the museum. It has attracted more than 4,500 people a year, according to Ms. Rogers. The changes at the museum show Ms. Carter, who graduated from law school in 2006, widening her ambit as protector of the Harper Lee brand.’

by Brendan Lemon | 7/30/15 | Leave a comment |